For any team, military, athletic, business, etc, nothing is a lock. Not success or failure. IF each enabling sub-unit can perform at a high level, at the right time, then the team will posture itself for success (e.g. more Ws than Ls). I suspect Bryant, Johnson, Saban, Miles, et al never thought any game was a lock, nor even any set of downs. They kept (and keep) their units focused on the task at hand--winning this play.
If they lose focus on "winning this play", they widen the chances of losing the overall effort. It seems that Coach Richt and staff are far better organized and prepared than the previous staff to motivate and coach the right players for the right positions.
That's all we can ask for as a fan base.
Go Canes.